The Island Today: The top events for kids for the coming week

Grace McQuade

Tree Lighting and Visit from Santa

Friday, Dec. 7, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Join the outdoor tree lighting and enjoy live music with Jack Kohl in the Great Hall and the House of the Red Hart Singers who will stroll around. The event kicks off the Holiday Festival at Coe Hall on Dec. 8, 9, 15 and 16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with music and merriment for the whole family.

Where: Planting Fields Arboretum, 1395 Planting Fields Road,
Oyster Bay / Info: 516-922-8678 or plantingfields.org

Pajama Story Time with “The Polar Express”

Friday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m.

Children wearing their favorite cozy pajamas will hear this beloved Christmas story featuring a young boy who is welcomed aboard a magical trip to the North Pole where he gets to make his Christmas wish. Little ones will get free hot chocolate and a cookie from the Café.

Where: Barnes and Noble, 1542 Northern Blvd., Manhasset and 91 Old Country Road, Carle Place / Info: 516-365-6723 (Manhasset), 516-741-9850 (Carle Place) or barnesandnoble.com

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 8 and Sunday, Dec. 9, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

Instead of lining up to see Santa, why not enjoy a luxury breakfast with him? Treat your family to a popular holiday tradition at Breakfast with Santa, a special event featuring favorites like Red Velvet Pancakes, Eggnog Waffles, Peppermint Stick French Toast, and an omelette station. $40 for adults; $25 for children 3 to 12; free for children 2 years and younger.

Where: The Mansion At Glen Cove, 200 Dosoris Lane, Glen Cove
Info & RSVP: 516-671-6400 or glencovemansion.com

StART (Story + Art)

Tuesday, Dec. 11 and Thursday,

Dec. 13, 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Children ages 3 to 5 can listen to a reading “Polar Bear Night” by Lauren Thompson in which a polar bear cub embarks on a magical nighttime journey. After the story they can create a fuzzy polar bear mask to wear home. Fee: $4 with museum admission, $3 LICM members.

Where: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
Info: 516-224-5800 or licm.org

Cycle for Scholarships

Wednesday, Dec. 12, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Teens in grades 9 through 12 can cycle for a cause to raise funds to benefit scholarships for Summer Streeters Day Camp. $36 to join. To register, contact Joey Falk, jfalk@sjjcc.org.

Where: Sid Jacobson JCC, 300 Forest Drive, East Hills
Info: 516-484-1545 or sjjcc.com

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